Children waited semi-patiently, then thrilled when Santa arrived aboard the fire truck Saturday evening, Dec. 6, during North Bend’s Downtown holiday festival. The Christmas tree celebration included carolers and singalongs, dancers, crafts, warm bonfires and photos with the jolly old elf himself.

Fall City Arts hosted the community’s annual holiday gathering in the arts park, which kicked off with the arrival of excited caroling Fall City Elementary students. As they sang the last lines of “Jingle Bells,” the line for a visit with Santa began forming, just outside the park. An intricately wrought metal tree twinkled with colored lights in the park and families warmed up by the fire pits as they awaited the official lighting of the trees lining the river downtown. After a false start, the trees lit up on command, and everyone cheered. Then it was time to go home.

A breathless Arika Rapson, president of Fall City Arts, was surprised at how fast it all went, but happy to have incorporated more art this year—the glowing glass lanterns of one artist, and the tree sculpture of two others, among the artistic touches.

Festival-goers warm up by a North Bend bonfire on Saturday evening.

Carolers Jennifer Boivin, Kathy Brumbaugh, and Shannon and Paul Smith take part in North Bend’s holiday singalong.

Colton Owens, 4, perches on top of Nancy Palm and mom Kimberly Owens in front of the North Bend tree.

Tracy Pascoe, Mrs. Claus’ helper, hands a candy cane to Clara Schlotfeldt, 10, after her visit with Santa at the Fall City tree lighting Saturday. Carol Ladwig/Staff Photo

Santa stopped by the Fall City tree lighting Saturday, for photos with fans, including 6-year-old Anita and 1-year-old Sam, who recently moved to the city. Carol Ladwig/Staff Photo

Artists Bob Prowda and Denny Croston both contributed to the holiday tree in Fall City Arts Park. Prowda built the tree sculpture, and Croston, the topper. Carol Ladwig/Staff Photo